Sleeping-car.



J. A. McNULTY, N-. H. NELSON & J. JESSEN.

SLEEPING CAR.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-8,1915.

Patented May15, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

sf t W ffl m 4 )6 WW AWL. 3 JW/ 7 0 SLEEPING CAR.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-8,19l5- mw m J. A. McNULTY, N. H. NELSON & J. JESSEN.

SLEEPING CAR.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. a. 1915.

LQ%6,3%9. Patented May15,1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

llllmm Q l il, I I. 1 Q

J. A. MCNULTY, N. H. NELSON (SI. 1. JESSEN.

SLEEPING CAR. I v e APPLICATION FILED NOV- 8,1915- m fi34gw H Patented May 15, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

J. A. McNULTY, N. H.NELSON 8L1. JESSEN.

SLEEPING CAR.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-8,19l5- Patented May 15, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

' -.r as arsnr ores.

JAMES A. MCN'ULTY, 0F MINNEAPOLIS, NELS H. NELSON/0F WILLMAER, ANDJAMES JESSEN, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.

SLEEPING- CAJR...

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented May15, 19117,,

Application filed November 8 1915. Serial No. 60,189..

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JAMES A. MCNULTY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, New H. NELSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at \Villmar, in the county of Kandiyohi and State of Minnesota, and JAMES JEssEN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Sleeping-Cars, of which the following is a full, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in sleeping cars.

Objects of the invention are to provide a sleeping car-wherein the upper berth is more readily accessible than those now used; to

provide a sleeping car divided into sections in the manner now customary and with a central, longitudinal aisle, and so arranged that two alcoves or dressing compartments are provided. in each section; one alcove being accessible only to the occupant of the lower berth, and the other alcove accessible only to the occupant of the upperberth; to

so arrange the berths and sections that greater privacy 1s secured to the occupants of the berths when the car is made up for sleeping purposes; to so arrange the upper and lower berths that a maximum amount of head room for each occupant is provided; to so construct the chairs or seats utilized during the day time in the ordinary manner that the same canbe so positioned as to form the upper berth when arranged for sleeping, and end partitions for the upper and lower berths; to so arrange each section of the car that the occupants of the lower and upper berths may each use individual lavatories; and other andmore specific objects as will more clearly appear from the description hereinafter.

In the drawing forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a car having our improvement embodied therein, the section being taken substantially from the center of the aisle and looking toward one side of the car, the arrangement being thatemployed during the day time. Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1' at the opposite end of the car, but showing the car with the parts arranged for sleeping. Fig. l is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially 011 the line 44.- of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 2 and looking towardthe window. Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5 but showing the parts as arranged for sleeping purposes and taken substantially on the line 66 of Fig. 4. Fig. Y is a vertical transverse sectional view of the car, the left hand portion of which is taken substantially on the line 77 of Fig. 6,: and the ri it hand portion substantially on the line %*-7* of Fig; 6. And Fig. 8 is a detailed sectional view taken sub stantially on the line 8'S of Fig. 5, and illustrating in dotted lines the method of collapsing the closets in which the mattresses are stored during the day time.

Referring to said drawing, 10 denotes the car, the same belng prov ded with sectlons 1111 arranged longitudinally thereof and having a central longitudinal aisle 12. The sections li f-are formed by transversely extending partitions 13-l3 which extend from the side walls of the car toward the center thereof, the inner edges of each of the partitions 13 being faced by longitudinally arranged narrow partitions l t to give the eflect of posts, the latter being connected at the tops by horizontallboards or parti-- tions 15. I

Inasmuch as the arrangement in all sections of the car is the same,'it will only be necessary to describe one of them in detail. As shown two chairs or seats A and B are provided in each section, each seator chair comprising a back cushion formed vof'two members 16 and 17, a bottom formed of two members 18 and 19, side arms 20, suitable A as indicated in Fig. 5, onto be backed against each other, as shown on the left end of Fig. l, orto both face in the same direction in the manner customary in day coaches.

\Vhen it is desired to form the berths, the

frames which carry the seat backs are swung inopposite directions as indicated in Figs. 5 and 6, the back of one of the seats then has the two parts thereof, 17 and 16, moved to the positions indicated in Fig. 6, that is,

the member 17 is swung upwardly to a vertical position about its pivotal connection 26 with the arms 22-22, and the other back member 16 is swung about the same pivotal connection to a horizontal position, as indicated in Fig. 6. The back member in its vertical'position is then fastened at its upper edge to lock plates 2-7 and 28,secured respectively to the inner sides of the longitudinally extending upper partitions 15 and the side walls 29of the car. At the same time, the back member 16 of the opposite seat is swung to a horizontal position, as indicated in Fig. 6, andthe other back member 17 of the same seat moved to avertical position, as. indicated. in, the same figure. The back members 16 are held in their horizontal position by means of brackets 30 and 31, pivoted respectively to the inner sides of the partitions 15 and the side walls '29 of the car. The brackets 30 and 31, inthe day time, are swung up to horizontal position as indicated in Fig. 5, and are held by suitable .means such as a latch pin 32, engaging in the lock plates ,27 and 28. The back members 16 are secured to the brackets 30 and. 31, when the latter are in their vertical position by any;su1table means,for instance: by havl ingprojections on the back members 16 of the seat, which fit in corresponding sockets at the lower ends of the arms or brackets 303l. Similarly, the back member 17,

which forms the end partition for the lower berth is held in position by any suitable means, such as a latch or pin as indicated at 33, coiiperating with arms or brackets 34, formed integrally with the side inembers of the movable frames for the seats.

Fromv the preceding description, it will 5 be seen that the upper berth is provided with an end vertical partition and the two horizontal seat back members 1616 provide a cushion or spring beneath the upper berth mattress 35.

. To support the mattress 36 of the lower berth, the bottoms of theseats A and Bare adjusted to the positions shown in Fig. 6,

it being understood that each pair of seat bottommembers 18 and 19 are hinged'as 5 indicated at 37., The members 18. and 19 when swungopen, as indicated in Fig. 6, arei supported' on slidable brackets 38 and 39, the latter having projections 40-40 ledges the length of which approximates the length of the lower berth and supports the unfolded or opened seat bottoms, the latter withtheir cushion seats uppermost as indicated in Fig. 6.

By referring to Figs. 2, and 5, it will be seen thatthe mattresses 35 and 36 are stored during the day time, in closets or lockers 43 and 44 at the ends of each section, each locker 43 and 44 being formed of a partition 13, a short,. fixed partition 45 (see Fig. 8), parallel with but spaced from the-partition 13; a narrow partition 46 hinged at its inner end as indicatedat 4'7; and an outer partition forming a door 48 pivoted as indicated at 49 to the narrow partition 46.

.During the day time the members 46 and 48 are arranged as shown in Fig. 2 and in full lines in Fig. 8, that is, spaced from the intermediate partition 13. This permits the member 48 to be swung open to insert or remove the mattress. At night, when the berths are made up, and in order to provide more room for the passengers, the members 46 and 48 are swung to the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 8, and as shown by the full lines in Fig. 4. From the fo egoing description, it will be seen that each section is not only provided with two seats or chairs but is also so arranged that alcoves 149 and 50 are provided therein at the ends of the section. Each alcove or small dressing room is accessible to one berth only, the upper berth being accessible from the alcove. at one end only, and the lower berth accessible fronr the alcove at the opposite end, only. In each alcove or dressing compartment, as many 'toilet facilities may be provided as desired, and in thedra'wings there is shown in each alcove, a lavatory 51, mirror 52, towel closet 53, hat locker 54., As will be understood, electric lights suitably f-located will also be provided; coat hooks, drinking water, and

short step ladders are provided in those any other conveniences that may be deemed necessary.

alcoves which are accessible to the upper berths, to thereby permit the-occupant, to reach the upper berth without difliculty. One step ladder 55 for each section may be provided, or the porter may bring such a step ladder toa section onlywhen as is now customary.

In order to secure absolute privacy for the desired, I

1310118 provided mae'eae occupants of the berths, panel curtains 56 and 57- may be attached to suitable portions of the berthsand ca'r' structure when the berths are made up, as indicated in Fig. 3,

the panel curtains being attached by snap .the upper panel curtains 57, although only one is shown in Fig. 3. In additionto' the panel curtains 56 and 57, section curtains 58 and 59 are provided, which are support ed by rings 60 mounted on rods 61. In the day time the curtains 58 and 59 are retained in the positions indicated most clearly in Figs. 2 and 5, that is, by being drawn back and leavingthe section open. At night, the curtains are drawn in the usual manner and held at the center by suitable fastening means as indicated at 62 in Fig. 3.

As indicated by the floor plans in Figs. 2 and 4, a smoking room 63 is provided at one end of the car; toilet rooms 6'1: and 65 at opposite ends of the car; compartment 66 for a heater 67 and water tank 68, and storage lockers 69 and 70.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the improvements herein described may be embodied' in sleeping cars of the lengths now commonly employed and 12 secthat separate or private alcoves or dressing compartments are provided for the occupants of the upper and lower berths of each section; that the occupants of both the upper and lower" berths -may undress and dress outside of the berths; a greater amount of head room is provided for both' the upper and lower berths than is now customary, particularly in the case of the upper berth; more space on the interior of the car is available during the present type of sleeping car, ina smuchas no'space such as is now required for the V is needed; the berths may be made up easily present 'day and quickly; individual lavatories and other toilet facilities are provided for each passenger; the chairs or seats of each section may be arranged in the day time in any one of-three ways to suit the taste of the occupants of the section; light from the windows of the car reaches the upper berths, an advantage as compared withithe type of sleeping car, and ample storage room is provided for the mattresses and bed clothes.

Although there has herein been shown and described what is now I preferred embodiment of the invention, yet

various changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction and arrangem'ent of parts'without departing from the spirit of the invention, and all such upper berths i wlth the upper berth.

considered the changes and modifications are contemplated as come within the scope of the claims appended" hereto.

What isclaimed is: 1. A sleeping car having sections, each section having alcoves at the ends thereof extending to the floor and in which the occupant may stand upright, seats Within each section, said seatshaving parts thereof ar- L ranged to form upper and lower berths extending lengthwise of the car, one berth being accessible at one end from one alcove and the other berth accessible at one end from the other alcove when the berths are made up.

a 2. The combination with a sleeping car section, of a pair of seats within the section, each seat having a two part hinged back, the two parts of one seat back being adjustable to form an end wall and half of the upper berth and the two parts of the second seat back being adjustable to form the other half of the upper berth and an end wall for the lower bert 3. The combination with a sleeping car section, of a pair of seats within the section, each seat having a two part hinged back, the two parts of one seat back being adjustable to form an end wall and half of the upper bertliand the two parts of the second seat back being adjustable to form the other half of the upper berth and an end wall for the lower berth, said end wall of the upper berth being located at the opposite end of the section to said end wall ofthe lower berth.

4. The combination with a sleeping car section, of a pair of seats within said section, said seats havingbacks hinged at their upper ends and movable to a horizontal position to form an upper berth, a vertical partition at one'end of the upper berth, a vertical partition at the opposite end of the lower berth, said sections having alcoves at the ends thereof, one alcove communicating with the lower berth and the other alcove 5. A sleeping car divided into sections by partitions'extending transversely thereof and having a longitudinal central aisle,.

. seats within each, section, each section havingalcoves at the ends thereof between the seats and said partitions, and collapsible storage closets at each end of each section, said closets being all collapsed when the berths are made up to thereby provide increased alcove space. I

6. A car section having'iend partitions. perpendicular to the sides of the car, seats within said section, said section having alcove spaces between the seats and said partitions, and means whereby the seats are adjustable to form upper and lower berths.

7. A car section having end partitions, seats Within said section, the backs in said seats being movable to face in either direction, said section being provided with spaces between the seats and said partitions, and means adapting said seats to form the upper and lower berths.

8. In a sleeping car having a central aisle,

' a section provided with vertical end walls,

an upper berth within said section, a lower berth within saidsection, a verticalpartition extending from the upper berth upwardly and spaced from the end wall of the section, a vertical partition extending from the opposite end of said upper berth downwardly to the lower, berth and also spacedfrom the end wall of the section,

whereby the upper berth is accessible from one end only and the lower berth is accessiblefrom the opposite end only, said vertical partitions and the ends of the berths when made up being spaced from the respective end walls of the section sufiicient-ly to provide a. dressing room space at each end of the section.

'9. A sleeping car having sections and provided wlth a longitudinal central aisle, each section belng formed by partitions arranged perpendicular to the sides of the end thereof, one accessible to the'upper' be'il'th only and the other to the lower berth on v.

1 1. A sleeping car section having fixed end partitions and storage closets formed at both ends of said section, each of said closets b-elng formed by a short fixed partition parallel with and spaced fromthe 5 endpartition of the section, and two members lunged to each other, one of which is hinged to said narrow fixed partition.

12. A sleeping car having a plurality of sections, each section being provided with seats adjustable to form longitudinally extending upper and lower berths, each sec- 'tion being provided also with alcoves at the ends thereof extending to the floor of the car, and toilet facilities provided in each of said alcoves.

' 13. A sleeping car section having vertical fixed end partitions, collapsible storage closets at the ends thereof and alcoves, two

.berths, each section havingtiJ dressing room seats within said section, said seats being adjustable to face in either direction, each seat having atwo part hinged back and a two part bottom, the parts of said hinged backs being adjustable to form the upper berth and end partitions for the upper and lower berths, the seat bottoms being adjustable to form the lower berth.

1 1. A sleeping car having a central aisle and sections on each side of the aisle, each section having alcoves in the ends thereof, seats within each section and having the parts thereof arranged to form upper and lower berths, one directly above the other, one berth being accessible at one end from one alcove and the other berth accessible at the opposite end from the other alcove 'when the berths are made up.

15. A sleeping car having a-central aisle extending longitudinally thereof and sections on each side of the aisle, each section having two seats therewithin, each seat having a two-part hinged back, the? parts of said seat backs being adjustable to form portions of longitudinal upper and lower space at each end thereof, 0 e of said spaces being accessible to the up er berth only and the'other to the lower berth only,

16. A sleeping car having a longitudinally extending central aisle and sections on each side of the aisle, each section being provided with seats therein adjustable to form the upper and lower berths, each section having also alcoves atthe ends thereof, and toilet facilities provided in each of said alcoves. 17. A sleeping car section-having vertical end partitions,'storage closets at the ends thereof, two seats within said section, and alcove spaces at each end, each of said seats being adjustable to .face in either d1- rection and each seat having a hinged bac k adjustable to form a portion of a longtudinally extending upper berth.

18. A sleeping car sectibn having vertical end partitions, and two seats within said section, said seats being adjustable to face in either direction, each seat having a twopart hingedback and a two-part bottom, the parts of said hinged backs-being adjustable to form an upper l ong1tudinallyarranged berth and end partitions for the upper and lower berths, the said bottoms bein adjustable to form the lower berth.

In witness that we claim the foregoing we have hereunto subscribed our names this I 1st day of October D. 1915.

JAMES A. MCNULTY. NELS H. NELSON. JAMES JESSEN. 

